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| Day by Day Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 - Arrive Auckland |
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- Arrive in to Auckland, collect late model, automatic mid-sized rental vehicle and drive to hotel
- Use the time you have following arrival to become familiar with Auckland’s vibrant inner city area
- No visit to Auckland is complete without experiencing panoramic 360° views from the incredible Auckland Sky Tower
- Accommodation at the beautifully appointed Hyatt Regency Auckland or similar
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| Day 2 - Auckland |
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- This morning you will commence your fascinating walking tour of Auckland by your local Maori guide
- Your walk commences with views and interesting information Maungawhau (Mt Eden); the site of a majestic P (Maori strategic stronghold)
- You will walk past iconic Auckland landmarks, stopping along the way at places of historical significance to the Maori
- After a brief break, the journey continues through the heart of the city, before coming to an end at the edge of the Waitemata Harbour on Auckland’s waterfront
- Following this excellent experience, the rest of today is yours to spend at leisure in Auckland
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| Day 3 - Auckland to Rotorua |
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- Today you will take the scenic drive from Auckland to Rotorua (approx 3.5 hours driving time). Highlights include:
- Lush dairy farming district of Waikato
- Rangariri Battle Site Heritage Centre
- Follow the Waikato River – New Zealand’s longest
- Lake Karapiro
- Fitzgerald Glade - native bush reserve on the Mamaku Ranges
- Views of Lake Rotorua
- Arrive Rotorua and take some time to explore the wonders of the geothermal marvel
- Accommodation at the comfortable, well located Sudima Hotel or similar
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| Day 4 - Rotorua |
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- Full Day Cultural Eco Thermal Tour
- Wai-O-Tapu
- Lady Knox Geyser
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Boiling Mud Pools
- Te Puia
- Rotorua Lakefront - Ohinemutu
- Kuirau Park
- Government Gardens - Sulphur Bay
- Blue and Green Lakes
- Lake Tarawera - Lake Okareka
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| Day 5 - Rotorua to Tongariro National Park |
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- This morning you will depart Rotorua and travel south in to the majestic Tongariro National Park (approx. 3.0 hours driving time)
- The road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. You'll also drive through large tracts of plantation pine forest
- Take a side road to a geothermal park, where you'll discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud. Towards the end of your journey you'll encounter the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. Other diversions include Huka Falls
- You’ll follow the eastern edge of Lake Taupo to reach Turangi. The drive is very scenic and there are many picnic opportunities along the way. Where streams run into the lake, you'll often see trout fisherman trying their luck
- The nearby hot springs of Tokaanu are another attraction, or you can try rafting the Tongariro River. The walks and skifields of the Tongariro National Park are also close by
- Accommodation at the outstanding Bayview Chateau Tongariro
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| Day 6 - Tongariro National Park |
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- This morning you will depart the lodge for the commencement of your full-day independent hike on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Pass through the majestic Mangatepopo Valley which was glacially carved out during the last ice age and subsequently partially in-filled by lava flows from Ngauruhoe
- Note the different colours on the lava flows as you walk up the valley. The surface colour of younger lava is darker and absorbs much of the suns’ heat – this is a harsh environment for plants to grow and the reason why the youngest flows only have a few plants, lichens and moss
- As you descend from the northern edge of Red crater you will come across three water-filled explosion craters called the Emerald Lakes. Minerals leaching from the adjoining thermal area, such as sulphur, cause their brilliant colour
- Following this most rewarding experience, you will be met at the end of your walk for the return transfer to your accommodation
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| Day 7 - Tongariro National Park to Wellington |
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- This morning you will depart Bayview Chateau Tongariro and travel down the centre of the North Island to the vibrant capital city of Wellington (approx. 5.0 hours driving time)
- On the long, straight Desert Road you’ll enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park’s volcanoes. In Waiouru, the QE2 Memorial Museum is worth a look. As you drive south towards Taihape (the Gumboot Throwing capital of the world), the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys. The Mangaweka Gorge is a scenic masterpiece
- Find time to browse the antique shops of Bulls, or spy on wading birds in the estuary near Foxton
- Two beautiful dune lakes are an easy detour from Levin
- Offshore from Waikanae Beach is Kapiti Island Nature Reserve. A car museum and gourmet cheese factory are other attractions in this area
- Accommodation at Wellington’s comfortable Mercure Hotel
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| Day 8 - Wellington To Queen Charlotte Walkway |
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- - This morning you will drive to the Wellington ferry terminal and drop off your rental vehicle prior to boarding the Interislander Ferry for your cruise to Picton, at the top of the South Island
- - Your 92 km, three hour journey between Wellington and Picton is one of New Zealand's most iconic tourist experiences, and one of the most spectacular cruises in the world
- - On arrival in Picton, you will take the short walk to the Marlborough Sound ferry dock for your onward cruise deep in to the spectacular Sounds and Torea Bay
- - On arrival in Torea Bay, you will be met and transferred to your beautifully secluded overnight accommodation
- - Accommodation at the Marlborough Sounds delightful Portage Resort
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| Day 9 - Queen Charlotte Walkway to Picton |
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- This morning, you will depart your accommodation and walk part of the wonderful Queen Charlotte Walkway to Mistletoe Bay
- On arrival at Mistletoe Bay, you will be met by your ferry for the return cruise to Picton
- At Picton, retrieve any luggage you have stored with your ferry crew and make your way to your comfortable accommodation
- Accommodation at Picton Beachcomber Inn
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| Day 10 - Picton to Christchurch |
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- This morning you will depart Picton and travel down the South Island’s picturesque East Coast to the pretty city of Christchurch (approx 5.0 hours driving time)
- The coastal road south runs between the mighty South Pacific ocean on one side and the majestic Kaikoura Mountain Range and Southern Alps on the other. This is definitely a trip where you’ll want to have the camera handy
- On arrival in Christchurch, take some time to explore the delights of this pretty city
- Take the city circuit route on the lovingly restored Christchurch Tramway and become familiar with the city’s picturesque cityscape including the Avon River, the Arts Centre, the beautiful Christchurch Cathedral and delightful New Regent Street
- Accommodation at Christchurch’s well-appointed Latimer Hotel
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| Day 11 - Christchurch to Queenstown |
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- This morning you will depart Christchurch and commence your trip through the centre of the South Island to the stunning resort settlement of Queenstown (approx. 7.0 hours driving time)
- On arrival in Queenstown you will return your rental vehicle to the rental car depot
- Highlights of the trip south include views of the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains, views of Southern Alps from Burkes Pass, spectacular views of the azure blue water of Lake Tekapo, views of New Zealand’s tallest mountain – Mount Cook, tussock covered Lindis Pass and the ruggedly stunning Kawarau Gorge
- Accommodation at Queenstown’s comfortable Copthorne Hotel and Resort
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| Day 12 - Queenstown to the Milford Track |
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- Your guided Milford Track adventure begins as you board a coach to Te Anau, arriving in time for lunch and a group photo
- From Te Anau Downs harbour, a launch takes up to the head of Lake Te Anau
- From the wharf it’s a short walk to the historic Glade House for afternoon tea
- Afterwards the guides take you on a short nature walk to explore the area
- After a hot shower and three-course meal it’s time to get some rest in your snug bed
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| Day 13 - Milford Track |
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- After crossing the emerald green Clinton River you walk up the valley to the Hirere Falls lunch shelter
- The beech forest gets more luxuriant the farther you go, until it releases you on to the Prairie
- From this meadow you can capture the true nature of the ice-carved Clinton Canyon.
- It’s a short climb to Pompolona Lodge, this evening’s accommodation from here
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| Day 14 - Milford Track |
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- This will be your most demanding day on the track
- The track leads to Lake Mintaro at the head of the Clinton Valley, before climbing the Mackinnon Pass in a series of zig-zags
- Take your time and enjoy the views. At the top you will be rewarded with spectacular panorama and lunch in Pass Hut
- After the rocky decent into the Arthur Valley you will welcome a hot cup of tea at Quintin Lodge, tonight’s accommodation
- This should be enough to refresh you for the optional 90 minute round trip to the Sutherland Falls, the world’s fifth highest waterfall
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| Day 15 - Milford Track |
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- Today you will walk down the Arthur Valley to Boatshed; after a short break you will continue on past Mackay Falls and Bell Rock (which was carved out of the river during a particularly violent flood) and on to the lunch spot at Giant’s Gate waterfall
- The final stretch of track follows tranquil Lake Ada to Sandfly Point
- From here it is a short launch trip to the renowned Mitre Peak Lodge, the only accommodation at Milford Sound offering superb views of Mitre Peak, often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world
- Here you will enjoy a celebratory dinner while relaxing with the knowledge that the hard part is now behind you while the magnificence of Milford Sound is right in front of you
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| Day 16 - Milford Track to Queenstown |
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- Wake to the tranquility of Fiordland and after breakfast experience a magical cruise on Milford Sound
- Watch for the dolphins and fur seals and pray for rain, as you’ve only seen Fiordland at its most incredible when the waterfalls are in full flow
- Following the cruise it’s time to head back to Queenstown
- Travel by coach through the heart of Fiordland National Park, through the Homer Tunnel and beyond
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| Day 17 - Queenstown |
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- Today is yours to spend at leisure in this beautiful and exciting location
- Activities available for your participation include the following:
- A full day guided hiking trip on the renowned and majestically beautiful Routeburn Track
- Skyline gondola, restaurant and luge – spectacular views. Try their buffet lunch or dinner
- Historic and beautiful Arrowtown, a gold mining town. The shops on the main street are a replica of the shops in the 1800’s. Stunning autumn leaves to be seen in Autumn
- TSS Earnslaw lake cruise – a vintage steamship. Cruise to Walter Peak farm and enjoy morning tea and a farm visit or try the dinner cruise
- Following your enjoyable day at leisure, it’s time for a celebratory farewell dinner in Queenstown at the superb Gantley’s Restaurant
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| Day 18 - Depart Queenstown |
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- Drive to the Queenstown Airport where you will drop off your rental vehicle prior to departure
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| Package Includes: |
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- 2 nights at Auckland’s Hyatt Regency Hotel in a Regency View Room
- Tamaki Hikoi Maori introduction and walk in Auckland
- 2 nights at Rotorua’s Sudima Hotel in a Superior Lakeview Room
- Full Day Cultural Eco Tour in Rotorua
- 2 nights at Tongariro National Park’s outstanding Bayview Chateau Tongariro in a Premium Room
- Return transfers to Tongariro Alpine Crossing full day independent walk
- 1 night at Wellington’s Mercure Hotel in a Standard Room
- Interislander Ferry Crossing from Wellington to Picton
- Marlborough Sounds Ferry from Picton to Torea Bay
- Arrival transfer from Torea Bay to Portage Resort
- 1 nights accommodation at Portage Resort in a Kowhai Lodge Room
- Independent walk from Portage Resort to Mistletoe Bay
- Marlborough Sounds Ferry from Mistletoe Bay to Picton
- 1 nights accommodation at Picton’s Beachcomber Inn in a Superior Room
- 1 nights accommodation at Christchurch’s Latimer Hotel in an Executive Room
- 1 nights accommodation at Queenstown’s Copthorne Hotel and Resort in a Lakeview Room
- 4 Night / 5 Day Guided Milford Track walk including lodge accommodation, all meals and all transportation to / from the Track
- 2 additional nights accommodation at Queenstown’s Copthorne Hotel and Resort in a Lakeview Room
- Rental vehicle in New Zealand from Day 1 to Day 11
- Airport Departure transfer at end of trip in Queenstown
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| Price: |
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NZD$4,935.00 per person
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Please note that our packages are land only and do not include airfares.
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| Important Notes: |
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COST PER PERSON PRICES ARE BASED ON TWIN / SHARE ROOM OCCUPANCY. IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING AS A SINGLE, PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE WILL ADVISE SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENTS UPON REQUEST. ALTERNATIVELY, IF YOU’D LIKE AN ITINERARY DESIGNED FOR YOUR FAMILY GROUP, PLEASE LET US KNOW
PRICES ARE INDICATIVE AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LAND ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE USING VISA, MASTERCARD OR CASHIERS CHECK AT NO EXTRA CHARGE
ALL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE CHARGED IN NEW ZEALAND DOLLARS
PRICES NOT APPLICABLE DURING BLACK-OUT PERIODS
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